Writing from the Heart with Brian
Think, Laugh, & Cry Each Day
From strict punctuality in Germany to the hidden meanings behind an "A-okay" hand gesture, global cultures differ wildly. But despite our differences, I'm convinced of one universal human truth: no matter where you call home, you have a junk drawer packed with outdated manuals and a mountain of mystery cords.
(A version of this story appeared on The Heart of The Matter on April 12, 2023.) I wrote the date at the top, folded the paper, and slid it into an envelope. Some weeks I’m good at this; some weeks, not so much. For the past 17 years, I’ve written my wife a short note every Wednesday.... Continue Reading →
My phone battery is having a busier night out on the town than I am. A lighthearted look at smartphone addiction, phantom battery drain, and the bodyguard-level vigilance required to find a working wall outlet.
From Evel Knievel stunt bikes and Pong to life-sized monster trucks, 300-foot roller coasters, and 28 mph e-bikes—a look at why today’s hyper-engineered toys make me drool with pure nostalgia envy.
A single sleepy suburban mile, two local coffee shops, two corporate giants, and a convenience store brawl for market share. Welcome to the local coffee wars—where seasonal flavors fly before fall even arrives.
One spouse forges ahead like Meriwether Lewis mapping the frontier; the other trails behind dragging a 50-pound cooler through scorching sand. If your marriage can survive a week at the beach, it can survive anything. Here are four essential rules for surviving the dunes, heat, and potential beach mutiny.
If you only look at social media, it feels like society is collapsing. But the real-world data on how we actually treat each other tells a completely different—and deeply hopeful—story.
(A version of this story first appeared on June 21, 2023 on The Heart of The Matter.) My sons were both excited, my daughter a bit less, but she was being a good sport. They wanted to see the waterfalls. Our kids were all relatively young and we had billed up the falls and our... Continue Reading →
There’s the churning stomach. "If I can just get to Friday evening." I have the classic 1981 Loverboy song "Working for the Weekend" playing on a loop in my head. But then there’s also the excitement. "Time away to relax and chill." Vacation time is a funny thing in the U.S. We take work entirely too seriously,... Continue Reading →
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